Never sleeping tree at tirumala.

 🙏 *తిరుమల సర్వస్వం -24 🙏🏼

జై శ్రీమన్నారాయణ 🙏🏼

 ప్రియ భగవద్ బంధువులారా 🙏🏼

  🙏 *ఓం నమో వేంకటేశాయ 🙏

🙏 *శ్రీవారి ఆలయవైశిష్ట్యం -5* 🙏

*"వేంకటాద్రి సమస్థానం బ్రహ్మాండే నాస్తి కించన* 

*వేంకటేశ నమో దేవో న భూతో న భవిష్యతి"*

ముందు భాగాల్లో మనం *"సంపంగి ప్రదక్షిణమార్గం"* లో ఉండే విశేషాలను దాదాపుగా తెలుసుకున్నాం. ఇంకా మిగిలిన కొన్నింటి గురించి ఇప్పుడు తెలుసుకుందాం.

🌈 *నీడ తిరగని చింతచెట్టు* 🌈

💫 11వ శతాబ్దంలో భగవద్రామానుజులు; 15వ శతాబ్దంలో అన్నమయ్య; దర్శించి తరించిన ఓ *పరమాద్భుతమైన చింతచెట్టు* శ్రీవారి ఆలయంలో ఉండేది. శ్రీనివాసుని ఆవిర్భావంతో ముడివడిన ఈ వృక్షరాజం యొక్క ఆధ్యాత్మిక జిజ్ఞాస కలిగించే పూర్వాపరాలను శ్రీనివాసుని భక్తులందరూ తెలుసుకుని తీరాలి:

💫 లోక కళ్యాణార్థమై, నారదమహర్షి ఒకానొకప్పుడు తండ్రియైన బ్రహ్మదేవుణ్ణి ఈ విధంగా ప్రార్థించాడు – 

💫 "తండ్రీ! మీ విన్నపాన్ని ఆలకించి ఆ శ్రీమహావిష్ణువు, శ్రీవేంకటాచలక్షేత్రంలో అవతరించి భక్తులను అనుగ్రహించే టట్లుగా వరమిచ్చి చాలా కాలమైంది. కావున, ఆ వైకుంఠనాథుని మరలా ప్రార్థించి, సత్వరమే తిరుమల క్షేత్రంలో ప్రత్యక్షమై మానవులందరికీ వారి దర్శనభాగ్యం కలిగింప జేయండి."

💫 ఆ నారదుని ప్రార్థనకు తన సమ్మతిని తెలియజేస్తూ, ఆ మహత్కార్యం నెరవేరటంలో నారదుని పాత్ర ఏమిటో విశదపరచి, బ్రహ్మదేవుడు అతనితో ఈ విధంగా శెలవిచ్చాడు 

💫 *"నేను శేషాద్రిశిఖరాన, స్వామిపుష్కరిణి సమీపంలో, త్రేతాయుగపు దశరథ మహారాజు అంశతో మరియు ద్వాపరయుగపు వసుదేవుని అంశతో ఓ చింతచెట్టును సృష్టిస్తాను. ఆ వృక్షఛాయలో శ్రీరాముని తల్లి కౌసల్య అంశతో మరియు శ్రీకృష్ణుని తల్లి దేవకి అంశతో ఓ విశాలమైన పుట్టను ఏర్పాటు చేస్తాను. వీళ్ళనే ఎందుకు ఎన్నుకున్నానంటే; ఆయా పుణ్యదంపతులకు సాక్షాత్తూ శ్రీమన్నారాయణుడే శ్రీరామ-శ్రీకృష్ణుల రూపాలలో త్రేతాయుగం-ద్వాపరయుగాల్లో తనయుడుగా జన్మించినప్పటికీ, కారణాంతరాల వల్ల వారికి అనతికాలం లోనే పుత్ర వియోగం సంభవించింది. శ్రీరాముని వనవాసంతో కౌసల్యాదశరథులు పరితపించగా, కారాగారంలో జన్మించగానే శ్రీకృష్ణుడు దేవకీవసుదేవులకు దూరమయ్యాడు. వారికి పుత్రునిపై మమకారం తీరనేలేదు. అలాగే, చిన్నికృష్ణుణ్ణి అత్యంత ప్రేమాభిమానాలతో పెంచుకున్న యశోదమ్మ, శ్రీకృష్ణుని వివాహాన్ని చూడలేక పోయింది. కావున కలియుగంలో ఆమెను వకుళమాతగా జన్మింపజేసి శ్రీనివాసుని కళ్యాణాన్ని దగ్గరుండి జరిపించే ఏర్పాటు కూడా చేయాలని ఎప్పుడో నిశ్చయించు కున్నాను".*

💫 అలా బ్రహ్మదేవుడు వచించినదే తడవుగా వేంకటాచలంలో ఓ చింతచెట్టూ, దానిక్రింద పుట్ట (వల్మీకం), వకుళమాత చెకచెకా సృష్టించబడ్డాయి.

💫 తండ్రియానతి మేరకు కార్యరంగంలోకి దిగిన నారదమహర్షి, వైకుంఠవాసుణ్ణి వల్మీకవాసునిగా తయారుచేసే ప్రయత్నంలో పడ్డాడు. 

💫 అదే సమయంలో, యోగిపుంగవులందరూ కలిసి ఓ మహాయజ్ఞాన్ని ప్రారంభించారు. ఆ యజ్ఞానికి విచ్చేసిన కలహభోజనుడు, త్రిమూర్తుల్లో అత్యంత మహిమాన్వితునికి మాత్రమే యజ్ఞఫలాన్ని ధారపోయవలసిందిగా సలహా ఇచ్చాడు. త్రిమూర్తుల్లో ఎవరు గొప్పో నిగ్గు తేల్చటం కోసం, మహర్షుల కోర్కె మేరకు బ్రహ్మనూ, మహేశ్వరుణ్ణి దర్శించిన భృగుమహర్షి చివరగా వైకుంఠానికేతెంచాడు. ఆ తరువాత క్షణికావేశానికి గురైన భృగుడు - లక్ష్మీనివాసమైన శ్రీనివాసుని హృదయంపై కాలితో తన్నడం; క్రోధితురాలైన శ్రీమహాలక్ష్మి వైకుంఠాన్ని వదలి *కరివీరపురానికి (నేటి కొల్హాపూరుకు)* చేరడం; విష్ణువు, లక్ష్మీదేవి జాడ వెతుకుతూ భూలోకానికేతెంచి వేంకటాచలంలో చింతచెట్టు క్రిందున్న పుట్టలో సేదతీరడం; ఓ గొల్లవాని గొడ్డలిదెబ్బకు గాయపడిన శ్రీనివాసుడు పుట్టలో నుండి బయటకు వచ్చి వకుళమాత చెంత చేరి పద్మావతిని పరిణయమాడటం మనకు సుపరిచితమే! ఇందులో కొంత భాగాన్ని మనం "సన్నిధి గొల్ల" ప్రకరణంలో తెలుసుకున్నాం కూడా.

💫 కాలాంతరాన ఆ పుట్ట సమీపంలో తొండమానునిచే శ్రీవారికి ఆలయం నిర్మించబడడంతో ఓ ప్రాకారం ఏర్పడి, ఆ చెట్టు సంపంగి ప్రదక్షిణమార్గంలో మహాద్వారానికి చేరువగా నిల్చింది.

💫 ఆ చింతచెట్టు కాండం దృఢంగా ఉండి శాఖోపశాఖలుగా విస్తరించింది. ఆ చెట్టు నీడ ఎటూ తిరగక వృక్షమూలంలోనే స్థిరంగా ఉండటంతో అది *"నీడ తిరుగని చింతచెట్టు"* గా ప్రసిద్ధి చెందింది. అంతే గాకుండా, ఆ చెట్టు విశ్రాంతి యన్నదే లేకుండా చిగురిస్తూ, పుష్పిస్తూ, ఫలిస్తూ ఉండేది. అందువల్ల అది *"ఉన్నిద్ర తింత్రిణీ వృక్షం" (నిద్రపోని చింత చెట్టు)* గా కూడా పేరొందింది. కాలక్రమాన, భూలోకంలో తనకు మొట్టమొదటి సారిగా నీడ కల్పించిన ఆ వృక్షం శ్రీనివాసునికి అత్యంత ప్రీతిపాత్ర మయ్యింది. 

💫 ఒకానొకప్పుడు ఆ లక్ష్మీవల్లభుడు తన భక్తుడైన తొండమానునితో, "ఆ చింతచెట్టునూ, మహాలక్ష్మికి ఆవాస స్థానమైన చంపకవృక్షాన్ని మాత్రం రక్షించి, మిగిలిన చెట్లనన్నింటినీ తొలగించి ఆలయప్రాకారాలు నిర్మించవలసిందిగా" ఆదేశించినట్లు వెంగమాంబ విరచిత "వేంకటాచలమహాత్మ్యం" ద్వారా తెలుస్తోంది.

💫 ప్రస్తుతం ఆలయంలో కానరాని ఆ వృక్షం ఎప్పుడు, ఎలా కనుమరుగైందో ఎవరికీ తెలియదు. తన కార్యం పరిసమాప్తి చెందడంతో బ్రహ్మదేవుడే ఆ వృక్షాన్ని తనలో తిరిగి ఐక్యం చేసుకున్నాడేమో!

💫 11వ శతాబ్దంలో భగవద్రామానుజులు ఆ చింతచెట్టును దర్శించి తరించినట్లు "పరమయోగివిలాసం" అనే ప్రామాణిక గ్రంథంలో వ్రాయబడింది. అలాగే, 15వ శతాబ్దంలో అన్నమయ్య తొలిసారిగా తిరుమల యాత్ర చేసినపుడు -

*కుందనపు బొలుపుల పెద గోపురము సేవించి* 

*తరగని ఫలపుష్ప తతి తోడ నీడ తిరుగని* 

*చింత వర్తిల నమ్రుడగుచు."*

అనే కీర్తనలో, ఈ చింతచెట్టును దర్శించు కున్నట్లుగా పేర్కొన్నాడు.

💫 సాక్షాత్తు శ్రీనివాసునికే నీడనిచ్చిన ఆ వృక్షరాజం, *"మానవుడు ఐహిక ప్రలోభాలకు లోనై తన దిశను మార్చుకోకుండా; అజ్ఞానాంధకారపు ఛాయలను దరిజేర నీయకుండా; ఆ పరమాత్ముని సాక్షాత్కారం కోసం అలుపెరుగని సాధన చేయాలని; జన్మ సార్థక్యం కాగానే నిశ్శబ్దంగా నిష్క్రమించాలని"* సూచిస్తుంది.

🌈 *వెండివాకిలి* 🌈

💫 ప్రప్రథమ ప్రాకారం లోని మహాద్వారం గుండా ప్రవేశించి, సంపంగి ప్రదక్షిణమార్గం లోని వివిధ మండపాలను దర్శించుకొని, ధ్వజస్తంభ దర్శనం తరువాత మనం వెండివాకిలి ముందుకు చేరుకుంటాం. ఈ ప్రవేశద్వారం యొక్క, గడపలకూ, ప్రక్కనున్న గోడలకూ వెండితాపడం చేసి యుండడం వల్ల దీన్ని "వెండివాకిలి" గా పిలుస్తారు. అలాగే, రెండవ ప్రవేశద్వారం కావటం వల్ల దీనిని *"నడిమి పడికావలి"* గా కూడా వ్యవహరిస్తారు. 

💫 1929వ సం. లో, నైజాం ఎస్టేటుకు చెందిన "శ్రీరాం ద్వారకా దాస్ పర్భణి" అనే భక్తుడు ఈ వాకిళ్ళకు వెండితాపడం చేయించినట్లుగా ఆ తలుపులపై హిందీ, ఆంగ్లభాషల్లో వ్రాయబడి ఉంది. సంపంగి ప్రాకారానికి అనుసంధానమై ఉండే ఈ ద్వారంపై ఏడు కలశాలతో, శిల్పకళా శోభితమైన మూడంతస్తుల గోపురం నిర్మించబడింది.

💫 వెండివాకిలికి ఇరుప్రక్కలా ఉన్న కుడ్యాలపై, హాథీరాంబాబా-వేంకటేశ్వరుల పాచికలాట శ్రీరామపట్టాభిషేకం ఘట్టాలు హృద్యంగా చెక్కబడి వెండి రేకుతో తాపడం కావించబడ్డాయి.

💫 12వ శతాబ్దంలో ప్రారంభమైన ఈ కుడ్య-ద్వార-గోపుర నిర్మాణం అంచెలంచెలుగా చేకూరి; 13వ శతాబ్దంలో పూర్తయినట్లు శాసనాల ద్వారా తెలుస్తోంది. ఈ వెండివాకిలి దాటగానే మనం మూడవ లేదా విమాన ప్రదక్షిణమార్గం లోనికి ప్రవేశిస్తాం.

💫 అయితే, అంతకు ముందుగా శ్రీవారి ఆలయ మహాద్వారం ముందున్న ఓ ముఖ్యమైన మంటపాన్ని గూర్చి తెలుసుకుందాం:

🌈 *గొల్లమంటపం* 🌈

💫 పూర్వకాలంలో శ్రీవారి ఉత్సవాలు - తిరుచానూరులో జరిగేవి. అవన్నీ శ్రీవారి నివాస స్థానమైన "తిరుమలక్షేత్రం" లోనే జరగాలని 11వ శతాబ్దంలో రామానుజులవారు తీర్మానించారు. అందునిమిత్తం తిరుమల కొండను అభివృద్ధి చేసే పనుల్లో నిమగ్నమైన కూలీలకు, పర్యవేక్షకులకు చంద్రగిరికి చెందిన "గోపమ్మ" అనబడే ఓ గొల్లవనిత చల్లని మజ్జిగ నిచ్చి దాహం తీర్చేది. ఆమె సేవకు మెచ్చిన రామానుజాచార్యులు ఏ వరం కావాలో కోరుకొమ్మనగా, ఆ వనిత అమాయకంగా, "తమరు చీటీ రాసిస్తే మోక్షమొస్తుందట. ఓ చీటీ రాసి మోక్షమిప్పియ్యండి" అని బదులిచ్చింది. ఆమె నిష్కల్మషత్వానికి మెచ్చిన రామానుజులు, ఓ తాళపత్రంపై *"శ్రీనివాస పరబ్రహ్మ ముక్తిని ప్రసాదించుగాక"* అని వ్రాసి ఆమె చేతిలో నుంచారు. ఆ గొల్లవనిత సేవానిరతికి, మోక్షపిపాసకు, నిష్కళంకభక్తికి గుర్తుగా, రామానుజుని ప్రేరణతో ఆ ప్రదేశంలో  *"గొల్లమంటపం"* నిర్మించబడింది.

💫 మరో కథనం ప్రకారం, మజ్జిగ విక్రయాలతో సంపాదించిన డబ్బుతో స్వయంగా ఓ గోపవనితే, ఆమెకు స్వామివారిపై ఉన్న అచంచల భక్తి విశ్వాసాలకు గుర్తుగా ఈ మంటపాన్ని నిర్మించింది.

💫 కథనమేదైనప్పటికీ, ద్వాపరంలో గోవిందునికి- గోపాలురకు ఉన్న బాంధవ్యం కొనసాగుతూ; కలియుగంలో శ్రీవేంకటేశ్వరునికీ-గొల్లలకూ మధ్య ఏర్పడ్డ అనుబంధం ఈ *"గొల్లమంటపం"* రూపంలో ద్యోతక మవుతోంది.

💫 1470వ సం. లో నిర్మించబడిన ఈ కట్టడంలో నిలబడి ఒకప్పుడు ప్రధానార్చకులు ప్రతినిత్యం ఘంటానాదం చేసిన కారణంగా దీనికి *"ఘంటామండపమ"* నే మరో పేరు కూడా వచ్చింది.

💫 ఈ మంటపం శ్రీవారి ఆలయ మహాద్వారానికి ఎదురుగా, సమున్నతంగా నిలబడి ఉంటుంది. శ్రీవారి ఉత్సవ వాహనాలు మహాద్వారానికీ, గొల్లమంటపానికి మధ్య నుండి సొగిపోతాయి.

💫 ఇప్పటివరకు, సంపంగి ప్రదక్షిణమార్గంలోని ప్రతిమా, మంటప, ఇతర కట్టడాల విశేషాలన్నింటినీ తెలుసుకున్నాం.

💫 ఇవే కాకుండా అన్ని మంటపాల్లోని కుడ్యాలపై, స్తంభాలపై, పైకప్పు లోపలిభాగంలో లతాపుష్ప ఆకృతులు, జంతువులు, పక్షుల చిత్రాలు, ఏనుగు తలపైనున్న గుర్రం, ఆ గుర్రంపై స్వారీ చేస్తున్న యోధుడు, వివిధ దేవతా శిల్పాలు; పూతనవధ, గోపికావస్త్రాపహరణం వంటి పౌరాణిక ఘట్టాలు; ఆదిశేషుడు, హనుమ, గరుడిని శిల్పాలు; ఇంకా అనేక కళాకృతులు ముగ్ధమనోహరంగా చెక్కబడి ఉన్నాయి. వీటినన్నింటినీ వీలున్నంతలో వీక్షించాల్సిందే గానీ, వాటి శోభను వర్ణింపనలవి కాదు.

💫 వెండివాకిలిని దాటి మనం ఇక మూడవ ప్రదక్షిణం, అంటే *"విమానప్రక్షిణమార్గం"* లోనికి చేరుకోవడమే తరువాయి.

💫 అయితే, ఆ ప్రదక్షిణం చేసే ముందుగా కొన్ని శ్రీవారి ఉత్సవాల గురించి తెలుసుకుందాం. 

💫 *నిత్య, వార, మాస ఉత్సవ* విశేషాలను ముందుగానే చెప్పుకున్నాం కాబట్టి, కొన్ని *"సంవత్సరోత్సవాల"* గురించి కూడా రేపటి భాగంలో తెలుసుకుందాం.

[ రేపటి భాగంలో... *శ్రీవారి ఆలయవైశిష్ట్యం*  గురించి మరిన్ని  విశేషాలు తెలుసుకుందాం]

🙏 *శ్రీనివాసుని శ్రీచరణాలను సేవిద్దాం, సకల శుభాలనూ పొందుదాం.

          సశేషం...*

💥ఓం నమోవేంకటేశాయ 💥

Damodara astakam.

 namamisvaram saccidananda rupam

lasat-kuṇḍalam gokule bhrājamanam

yaśodā-bhiyolūkhalād dhāvamānam

parāmṛṣṭam atyantato drutya gopyā || 1 ||

rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mṛjantam

karāmbhoja-yugmena sātańka-netram

muhuḥ śvāsa-kampa-trirekhāńka-kaṇṭha-

sthita-graivam dāmodaram bhakti-baddham || 2 ||

itīdṛk sva-līlābhir ānanda-kuṇḍe

sva-ghoṣam nimajjantam ākhyāpayantam

tadīyeṣita-jñeṣu bhaktair jitatvam

punaḥ prematas tam śatāvṛtti vande || 3 ||

varam deva mokṣam na mokṣāvadhim vā

na canyam vṛṇe ‘ham vareṣād apīha

idam te vapur nātha gopāla-bālam

sadā me manasy āvirāstām kim anyaiḥ || 4 ||

idam te mukhāmbhojam atyanta-nīlair

vṛtam kuntalaiḥ snigdha-raktaiś ca gopyā

muhuś cumbitam bimba-raktādharam me

manasy āvirāstām alam lakṣa-lābhaiḥ || 5

namo deva dāmodarānanta viṣṇo

prasīda prabho duḥkha-jālābdhi-magnam

kṛpā-dṛṣṭi-vṛṣṭyāti-dīnam batānu

gṛhāṇeṣa mām ajñam edhy akṣi-dṛśyaḥ || 6 ||

kuverātmajau baddha-mūrtyaiva yadvat

tvayā mocitau bhakti-bhājau kṛtau ca

tathā prema-bhaktim svakām me prayaccha

na mokṣe graho me ‘sti dāmodareha || 7 ||

namasthesthu dāmne sphurad-dīpti-dhāmne

tvadīyodarāyātha viśvasya dhāmne

namo rādhikāyai tvadīya-priyāyai

namo ‘nanta-līlāya devāya tubhyam || 8 ||

Ithi Srimadpadmapurane Sri damodarastakam sampurnam ||

Bhakti Rathnavali.

 Bhakti Ratnavali in Hindu religion is an anthology of selected verses from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. The selection of the verses is credited to anthologist Vishnupuri, who himself has composed a few additional lines not found in the original Bhagavata Purana. The book also contains a complete commentary of the verses.

Bhakti Ratnavali contains 398 out of the 18,000 verses of Srimad Bhagavata Purana. The work deals with the theory and practice of devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Swami Vishnupuri, though hailing from Tirhauta (Mithila, Bihar), lived in Varanasi. He was a contemporary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1485 AD – 1533 AD). Chaitanya and Vishnupuri had met when the former visited Varanasi on a pilgrimage. Vishnupuri was charmed by him. He too impressed Chaitanya by his learning and devotion.

Once, a disciple of Vishnupuri, on pilgrimage to Puri, while returning, asked Chaitanya for any message of Vishnupuri. Chaitanya wished to convey to the disciple’s master a request for a Ratnavali (a necklace of gems).

Vishnupuri, however, understood the true import of the request, and so he composed Bhakti Ratnavali (necklace of the gems of devotion) with his own commentary Kantimala.

The anthology was divided into thirteen cantos called strings. Chaitanya was delighted on receiving this necklace, praised it, and then offered it to Lord Jagannatha.

Ratnavali is not an abridged form of Bhagavata but a well-designed and meticulously arranged selection. The commentary exhibits Vishnupuri’s deep study ad careful exposition. He has added seven verses composed by him – four in the first canto and three in the last.

In the former, the anthologist describes his own task, and comments on the excellence of the anthology and its need, wishing the work to be useful to those devotees who lack leisure to study the complete Bhagavata Purana. The last three verses show his humility and his hope that the devotees will welcome this work.

The thirteen cantos successively deal with bhakti (devotion), its causes, nine modes of devotion – nama samarana (remembering god’s name), kirtana (singing hymns), gunakathana (praising god’s virtues), guna sravana (listening to god’s virtues), satsanga (company of the virtuous), all mentioned in Bhagavata (7.5.23). The last canto is Sarngati (refuge in the Lord).

Beyond the need.

 Cichlids and stingrays can perform simple addition and subtraction in the number range of one to five. This has been shown in a recent study by the University of Bonn, which has now been published in the journal Scientific Reports. It is not known what the animals need their mathematical abilities for.

Suppose there are some coins on the table in front of you. If the number is small, you can tell right away exactly how many there are. You don't even have to count them -- a single glance is enough. Cichlids and stingrays are astonishingly similar to us in this respect: they can detect small quantities precisely -- and presumably without counting. For example, they can be trained to reliably distinguish quantities of three from quantities of four.

This fact has been known for some time. However, the research group led by Prof. Dr. Vera Schluessel from the Institute of Zoology at the University of Bonn has now shown that both species can even calculate. "We trained the animals to perform simple additions and subtractions," Schluessel explains. "In doing so, they had to increase or decrease an initial value by one."

Blue means "add one," yellow means "subtract one"

But how do you ask a cichlid for the result of "2+1" or "5-1"? The researchers used a method that other research groups had already successfully used to test the mathematical abilities of bees: They showed the fish a collection of geometric shapes -- for example, four squares. If these objects were colored blue, this meant "add one" for the following discrimination. Yellow, on the other hand, meant "subtract one."

After showing the original stimulus (e.g. four squares), the animals were shown two new pictures -- one with five and one with three squares. If they swam to the correct picture (i.e. to the five squares in the "blue" arithmetic task), they were rewarded with food. If they gave the wrong answer, they went away empty-handed. Over time, they learned to associate the blue color with an increase of one in the amount shown at the beginning, and the yellow number with a decrease.

But can the fish apply this knowledge to new tasks? Had they actually internalized the mathematical rule behind the colors? "To check this, we deliberately omitted some calculations during training," Schluessel explains. "Namely, 3+1 and 3-1. After the learning phase, the animals got to see these two tasks for the first time. But even in those tests, they significantly often chose the correct answer." This was true even when they had to decide between choosing four or five objects after being shown a blue 3 -- that is, two outcomes that were both greater than the initial value. In this case, the fish chose four over five, indicating they had not learned the rule 'chose the largest (or smallest) amount presented' but the rule 'always add or subtract one'.

Computing without a cerebral cortex

This achievement surprised the researchers themselves -- especially since the tasks were even more difficult in reality than just described. The fish were not shown objects of the same shape (e.g. four squares), but a combination of different shapes. A "four," for example, could be represented by a small and a larger circle, a square and a triangle, whereas in another calculation it could be represented by three triangles of different sizes and a square.

"So the animals had to recognize the number of objects depicted and at the same time infer the calculation rule from their color," Schluessel says. "They had to keep both in working memory when the original picture was exchanged for the two result pictures. And they had to decide on the correct result afterwards. Overall, it's a feat that requires complex thinking skills."

To some it may be surprising because fish don't have a neocortex -- the part of the brain also known as the "cerebral cortex" that's responsible for complex cognitive tasks in mammals. Moreover, neither species of fish is known to require particularly good numerical abilities in the wild. Other species might pay attention to the strip count of their sexual partners or the amount of eggs in their clutches. "However, this is not known from stingrays and cichlids," emphasizes the zoology professor at the University of Bonn.

She also sees the result of the experiments as confirmation that humans tend to underestimate other species -- especially those that do not belong to our immediate family or mammals in general. Moreover, fish are not particularly cute and do not have cuddly fur or plumage. "Accordingly, they are quite far down in our favor -- and of little concern when dying in the brutal practices of the commercial fishing industry," says Vera Schluessel.

Colour choice.

 

Fruits owe their rainbow of colors to the various animals that eat them. 

New evidence supports the idea that plants owe their rainbow of fruit colors to the different animals that eat them. Researchers first had to get past the fact that most animals don't see colors quite the way humans do.

Red plums. Green melons. Purple figs. Ripe fruits come in an array of greens, yellows, oranges, browns, reds and purples. Scientists say they have new evidence that plants owe their rainbow of fruit colors to the different animals that eat them.

That the bright red of a berry is a signal to hungry birds -- here I am, come eat me -- is not a new idea. Since the late 1800's researchers have speculated that the colors of fleshy fruits evolved to get the attention of certain animals, who carry them off and eventually drop their seeds on the forest floor.

But evidence to support the idea has been mixed at best, scientists say. Part of the problem is that many studies of fruit color assume we see color as other animals do, assigning fruits to a handful of color categories such as orange or yellow according to how humans perceive them.

There are good reasons to doubt whether red to us looks the same way it does to, say, a lemur. Humans have three types of color-sensing cone cells in the eyes, each one sensitive to different wavelengths of light. But most other mammals have only two types of cone cells. And birds have four, which helps them see a range of colors we can't see.

A fruit that looks blackish to us, for example, may actually reflect ultraviolet rays, which birds can see but humans can't.

"With the exception of a handful of other primates, no other animal on Earth sees color the way that we do," said study co-author Kim Valenta, assistant research professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University.

Many studies also neglect to consider other reasons why fruits develop their specific colors, the authors said. For example, some plant species may simply take after their closest genetic relatives, bearing fruits that are pink or brownish because their common ancestors did too. Or fruit color could be a product of environmental factors such as latitude, temperature, or properties of the soil.

Omer Nevo of the University of Ulm in Germany, Valenta and colleagues collected reflectance data on ripe fruits and leaves from 97 plant species in Uganda and Madagascar, such as yellow hackberries, bluish-black soapbush berries and whitish Weinmannia fruits.

The team found that the fruit colors of closely related species are no more similar than expected by random chance.

However, fruits that are mainly eaten by mammals such as monkeys and apes do indeed have higher reflectance in the green part of the spectrum, whereas fruits dispersed by birds reflect more in the red -- presumably because birds tend to rely more heavily on their keen color vision than many other animals, and reds are easier to spot against the green foliage.

The findings lend strong support to the idea that animal dispersers helped drive the evolution of fruit colors in tropical plants.

They also found that plants whose fruits reflected ultraviolet light also tended to have UV-reflecting leaves, suggesting that fruit color is at least partly a response to environmental factors that affect the whole plant -- such as protection from the sun's damaging rays.

Next they plan to analyze other fruit traits such as odor, size or texture. "It may be that visual conspicuousness -- often achieved using red -- entices birds, but scent is more important for luring animals whose sense of smell is keener than their sight," Nevo said.

Blue/ Purple:

Various Fruits and vegetables, like egg-plant, Blueberries, plums, and raisins can be found with a blue to purple hue. The colour Blue or Purple is due to phytonutrients known as anthocyanins, (which is a flavonoid) present in these items. Plants produce these phytonutrients to protect themselves against attacks from insects and damage from UV light. These phytonutrients also are advantageous to us in promoting health and preventing diseases. Studies have also found that they are effective in the control of obesity. This group also contains carotenoids, Vitamin C, Fibre and ellagic acid. All these are antioxidants, and anti-cancer agents

Green:

Spinach, Broccoli, Wheat grass, Kale and Brussel sprouts to name a few display their green colour, due to the presence of the green pigment Chlorophyll. This pigment is known to absorb light in the red and blue parts of the light spectrum and reflects the remaining which is mostly green. Thus these items appear green. Chlorophyll has been known for promoting human health and prevention of diseases. Also, there are two carotenoids present in green foods, which are Lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids act as antioxidants in the human eyes and skin.

Red:

The red colour in certain fruits and vegetables are due to the presence of lycopene, which belongs to the carotenoids group. Thus, tomatoes, apples, strawberries, beet and pomegranates, display their red colour. Lycopene has been found to reduce the risk of cancers of the prostate, pancreas and to a certain extent, of the stomach. But further studies need to be done in this area. Lycopene is thought to protect against oxidation damage, especially due to ultraviolet light exposure and tobacco smoke.

Yellow/ Orange:

Yellow and Orange fruits and vegetables get their colour from lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids. These also contain antioxidants like Vitamin A and C. Oranges, mangoes, yellow peppers, lemons, pineapples, pumpkin have good quantities of these beneficial substances.

If we look at bell peppers (or Capsicum Annuum), they start out green and require more time on the plant itself to ripen to yellow, orange and red. Thus the red, orange and yellow variety are usually more expensive. Lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids are known for their role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD for short, which is basically blurring of vision due to age) and cataracts. Vitamin C is known for its prevention of oxidation damage.

White:

Fruits and vegetables which are white in colour form an important part source of key nutrients (especially fibre, potassium and magnesium), and other micro constituents. The health benefits of white colour foods should not be underestimated and can increase shortfall of nutrients in our diet. Items in this category include potatoes, cauliflowers, turnips, corn, parsnips, mushrooms and onions, to name a few.

Fruits and vegetables have their distinctive colour due to presence of Phytochemical of varied nature. Various nutrients are present in different quantities in various foods. You should ensure that your daily diet compromises of as many coloured fruits and vegetables to get a combination of the health effects.

Benefits of colourful vegetables and fruits:

Lycopene: Reduction of cancer and oxidation damage

Chlorophyll: Prevention of deses healthy eyes and skin

Anthocyanin: control of obesity, antioxidant and anticancer agents

Carotenoids: eye health and reduction of oxidation damage

From another blog.

“Om asaadhyam saadhaka Swamin.. Asaadhyam tam kiva Prabho’.. Raama dootha mahaa praggnya mama kaaryam saadhayaa” – Most powerful manthra that immensely pleases Lord Hanuman

Holy Hindu Lord Sri Hanuman

Is revered by millions of His devotees all over the world as Lord Sri Anjaneya and Lord Maruthi and also as Lord Bajrang Bali. He is known not only for His devotion towards His master, Lord Sriram, but also for his valor and strength that He displayed during the great battle of Ramayan.

According to many Hindu puranas and sacred texts, “regular offering of prayers to Lord Hanuman offers immense strength to the mind, body and soul of a devotee. This in turn helps the devotee to courageously wage all the physiological and psychological battles of life”..

It is also further quoted in these texts that, “the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient Lord Hanuman always stays at the entrance of each one of His devotee’s house and forever protects that family from all the evil and the destructive forces of Nature”.

After I complete my daily pooja, I just close my eyes and quietly chant the sacred “Hanuman Chalisa”.. My Mom asked me to do so and am doing it everyday and ever since.. BLESSED

Now, let me come to the main point and tell you all about an amazingly

Miraculous And The Most Powerful Lord Hanuman Temple And The Interesting Story Behind That

Some time during the period between 1140 and 1150 A D, a Kakatiya King by name, Pratapa Rudra II, went on a hunting spree for one full day in some dense forests that were quite far away from his kingdom. Later, a fully tired King decided to relax in the forests that night.

At the stroke of midnight, the King suddenly woke up from his sleep, as he heard someone chanting the holy names of Hindu Lord Sriram. Greatly amused by that chanting, the King got up from his place and went around to see from where and whom that chanting was emanating.

After a few yards, he found an amazing idol of Lord Hanuman sitting in a dhyana mudra. There was a tremendous glow in that idol. However, what surprised the King the most at that moment was that the chanting of the names of “Sriram” was actually emanating from that idol.. “How can an idol chant..? The King asked himself.

After a few more minutes, the King realized that Lord Hanuman Himself was sitting there in the form of an idol and was offering His prayers to His Master, Lord Sriram. After realized that, a fully shocked King Prataparudra prostrated before the holy deity of Lord Hanuman and offered Him his umble pranams

Later, after 

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“Om asaadhyam saadhaka Swamin.. Asaadhyam tam kiva Prabho’.. Raama dootha mahaa praggnya mama kaaryam saadhayaa” – Most powerful manthra that immensely pleases Lord Hanuman

Holy Hindu Lord Sri Hanuman

Is revered by millions of His devotees all over the world as Lord Sri Anjaneya and Lord Maruthi and also as Lord Bajrang Bali. He is known not only for His devotion towards His master, Lord Sriram, but also for his valor and strength that He displayed during the great battle of Ramayan.

According to many Hindu puranas and sacred texts, “regular offering of prayers to Lord Hanuman offers immense strength to the mind, body and soul of a devotee. This in turn helps the devotee to courageously wage all the physiological and psychological battles of life”..

It is also further quoted in these texts that, “the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient Lord Hanuman always stays at the entrance of each one of His devotee’s house and forever protects that family from all the evil and the destructive forces of Nature”.

After I complete my daily pooja, I just close my eyes and quietly chant the sacred “Hanuman Chalisa”.. My Mom asked me to do so and am doing it everyday and ever since.. BLESSED

Now, let me come to the main point and tell you all about an amazingly

Miraculous And The Most Powerful Lord Hanuman Temple And The Interesting Story Behind That

Some time during the period between 1140 and 1150 A D, a Kakatiya King by name, Pratapa Rudra II, went on a hunting spree for one full day in some dense forests that were quite far away from his kingdom. Later, a fully tired King decided to relax in the forests that night.

At the stroke of midnight, the King suddenly woke up from his sleep, as he heard someone chanting the holy names of Hindu Lord Sriram. Greatly amused by that chanting, the King got up from his place and went around to see from where and whom that chanting was emanating.

After a few yards, he found an amazing idol of Lord Hanuman sitting in a dhyana mudra. There was a tremendous glow in that idol. However, what surprised the King the most at that moment was that the chanting of the names of “Sriram” was actually emanating from that idol.. “How can an idol chant..? The King asked himself.

After a few more minutes, the King realized that Lord Hanuman Himself was sitting there in the form of an idol and was offering His prayers to His Master, Lord Sriram. After realized that, a fully shocked King Prataparudra prostrated before the holy deity of Lord Hanuman and offered Him his umble pranams

Later, after sitting in front of the idol for about an hour, the King quietly went back to the place where he had slept earlier and dropped back into deep sleep. While the King deep in his sleep, Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a Temple for Him.

Amazed by the dream more so by the instructions of Lord Hanuman, the King immediately returned to his kingdom and called for an emergency meeting of all his advisers and court scholars and told them about the dream experience the forests wherein he was instructed by Lord Hanuman to build a Temple for Him.

Surprised with what their King had told them, the courtiers said, “Hey Rajendra, this is certainly an auspicious sign in approval of your kingship. We should immediately commence the construction of the Temple, as instructed by Hanuman.”

Later, on one fine day and on an auspicious occasion, the King commenced the construction of the Temple at the same place where he had seen the idol of Hanuman chanting “Sriram”. In course of time, this Temple became immensely popular in it’s neighboring villages and people started frequenting it in large numbers.

Almost five hundred years,

After this Hanuman temple was built, Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb, more popularly known as Aurnagazeb became the King of the vast Mughal Empire in India. This greedy and over ambitious Aurangazeb, who also has the title of “Alamgir”, which literally means the “world conqueror”, had only two things on his agenda..

One, to conquer the whole of Indian sub continent and if possible the whole world; and two, to demolish all the Hindu Temples wherever they are in India; eradicate Hinduism from this planet; and spread the religion of Islam all over the sub-continent.

According to historian Katherine Brown, “The very name of Aurangzeb seems to act in the popular imagination as a signifier of politico-religious bigotry and repression, regardless of historical accuracy.”

The executions of the antinomian Sufi mystic, Sarmad Kashani and the ninth Sikh Guru, Tej Bahadur bear testimony to Aurangzeb’s religious intolerance. While the Sufi saint was beheaded on multiple accounts of heresy, the holy Sikh Guru was hanged to death because of his objections to Aurangzeb’s forced conversions.

According to many great historians, “Aurnagazeb in all had demolished about fifteen major Hindu Temples in India, including the famous Kashi Viswanath Temple, the Somnath Temple, and the Keshav Deo Temple”. Although there’s no accurate data available to prove their claims but according to some noted historians, “the Mughals during their reign in India have demolished about sixty thousand Hindu Temples in the Indian sub continent alone”.

As part his wicked agenda and after annexing the entire Northern India and ransacking many rich Hindu Temples there, the iconoclastic Aurangazeb turned towards the Deccan plateau and lay his concentration entirely on the much richer Golkonda kingdom, which was at that time under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Hyderabad.

It was an easy task for Aurangazeb to conquer the Golkonda fort of Hyderabad which he conquered in 1687 without any stiff resistance from the meek Qutub Shahi rulers, who in those days were the richest in the world if not not the mightiest.

After completely taking control of the Diamond studded Golkonda fort, Aurnagazeb turned his attention towards the Hindu Temples in and around Hyderabad. During their search his army found the Lord Hanuman Temple built by the Kakatiya King, Pratapa Rudra II.

On one bad morning,

The powerful Mughal army of Aurnagazeb reached the Lord Hanuman Temple. Firstly, the commander of the army ordered all the priests and officials associated with the Temple to immediately come out of the Temple and surrender unconditionally to the mighty army of “Alamgir” or else they would be mercilessly killed by him.

Fearing threat to their lives and silently offering their prayers to their beloved Lord Hanuman, all the devotees, all the priests and all the officials associated with the Temple have quietly come out of the Temple and stood shivering before the ruthless “Alamgir” army commander. Ordering all those victims to move aside, the army Commander then commanded his army to move forward and commence the demolition of the historical Hanuman Temple.

Unable to see the sinful act occurring in front of their eyes, all the Temple priests, officials and Hindu devotes closed their eyes, silently saying “Aparatham, aparatham”. However, the chief Temple priest, who always considered the principal deity, Hanuman, his own son , came forward and requested the army commander,

“Sir, I don’t mind dying in your hands but before that please listen to me for a few seconds. Please”.. Although irritated with the intrusion, the commander still said, “Go ahead Brahman”. The priest continued,

”Sir, Lord Hanuman, the principal deity of this Temple, is always in a dhyana mudra and is offering His prayers to His Lord Sriram. Hanuman is the strongest of all the Gods in this world. He alone had destroyed the entire King Ravan’s army with his Mace. Please do not disturb Him or cause any harm to His Temple. He will not keep quiet. Am requesting you in your own interest. Please listen to me and seek refuge in His mighty glory. He is a very kind God and will certainly forgive you.”

The arrogant Muslim commander could not take it any more. Saying, “Hey Brahman, just shut up and move aside else I will first kill you and then proceed towards the Temple. Let me see how your mighty Hanuman is going to rescue His temple from the demolition of my army that demolished many bigger Temples than this.” Saying so, he turned to army and commanded, “Marchhhhhhhh”..

Unmindful of what is going to happen to all of them in the next few minutes, the idiotic army personnel marched forward towards the sacred Hanuman Temple, with Crowbars and other powerful demolition tools in their hands, to demolish the Temple.

The first soldier who reached the Temple main wall had raised the crowbar in his hands to knock the Temple down. Much to his shock, he just remained frozen and motionless. Unable to move his crowbar, even an inch forward, he kept looking at the wall with great fear in his eyes. Similar was the condition of all the other soldiers there who came close to the Temple main wall to demolish it.

To say the least, the commander of the mighty “Alamgir” army went into a deep shock looking at the miraculous occurrence before his eyes. He then quickly but involuntarily looked at the face of the chief Temple priest who warned him just a few minutes ago. The Temple priest, without any expression in his face was silently watching the army commander at that moment.

Quickly turning his face away from the priest, the army  commander then commanded his fear struck army to turn back and march towards the court of Aurnagazeb. He them told him in front of all his courtiersin the court,

“Jahanpanaa, as per your highness’s orders we have tried to demolish the Hanuman temple. But to our utter shock we could not move an inch forward. There’s a great divine power in the Temple. According to the Temple priest, Lord Hanuman is the most powerful of all the Hindu Gods. If your highness allow me to offer you my piece of advice, I would say we must never even turn towards that Temple again”.

Immensely angered with the report and the unsolicited advice of his army commander, Aurangazeb, almost screaming, said, “Shut up you idiot, what nonsense are you talking..?? Had it been someone else in your place, I would have cut him into pieces with my sword. But am merciful towards you because you have been so loyal to me for several years.

Now listen to me. I shall now command the army on my own. Let us march towards the Hanuman Temple, again tomorrow. I shall personally demolish the Temple with a Crowbar. I will also see how the so called powerful Hindu God Hanuman is going to protect His Temple from my strong hands. It’s my challenge to Him.”.

Aurangazeb marched along with his army again towards the sacred Hanuman Temple. Although the soldiers were afraid to go to that Temple they were however could not disobey the orders of their cruel king who shall hang them to the main door post of the Golkonda fort if they do that.

Silently offering their prayers to Lord Hanuman, “to forgive us” for being part of that sinful act, the soldiers quietly marched towards the Hanuman Temple.. Aurangazeb ordered everyone in the Temple to come out of it within the next thirty seconds.

Saying, “Vinaasa kaale vipareetha buddih” silently to themselves all those inside the Temple have walked out. Looking at them, Aurangazeb arrogantly said,”even if one among you try to open your mouth, am going to cut your tongue into pieces. Just keep quiet and watch everything silently”.

Later, as everyone around him was fearfully watching him, Aurangazeb picked up a large Crowbar with his right hand and started walking recklessly towards the Hanuman Temple. Even the wind there stopped breezing watching that sinful act and started looking fearfully at the idiotic Aurnagazeb who was, in all stupidity, trying to conquer the all powerful Lord of Wind.

Unmindful of everything that was happening around him, Aurangazeb slowly reached the main wall of the Hanuman Temple and raised the Crowbar to deliver the first blow on the sacred wall.

He just raised the crowbar. That’s all he could. He didn’t know what happened after that. All that he heard, at that moment, was a huge roar and a deafening sound from inside the Temple. It was so frightening that even the brave Aurangazed could not withstand that sound and stood frozen there, closing both his ears.

“Sree Anjaneyam.. Prasannananjaneyam.. Prabhaa divya kaayam.. Prakeerthi pradaayam.. Bhaje vaayuputhram.. Bhaje vaala gaathram.. Bhajeham pavithram.. Bhaje surya mithram.. Bhaje rudra roopam .. Bhaje brahma tejam..”

Recognizing that huge roaring sound as the divine voice of their beloved holy Lord Hanuman, all the Temple priests, all the devotees and all those Hindus standing there in front of the Temple have quickly bowed down on their knees and started reciting the all powerful Telugu Anjaneya dandakam.

TIRUMALESAGod exists. I have seen Him

• Amazing And Mysterious Temples
• Karmanghat Hanuman Temple

When Hindu Lord Hanuman Threatened Iconoclastic Muslim Ruler Aurangazeb

By

 Narrenaditya Komaragiri

-

 March 11, 2016

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“Om asaadhyam saadhaka Swamin.. Asaadhyam tam kiva Prabho’.. Raama dootha mahaa praggnya mama kaaryam saadhayaa” – Most powerful manthra that immensely pleases Lord Hanuman

Holy Hindu Lord Sri Hanuman

Is revered by millions of His devotees all over the world as Lord Sri Anjaneya and Lord Maruthi and also as Lord Bajrang Bali. He is known not only for His devotion towards His master, Lord Sriram, but also for his valor and strength that He displayed during the great battle of Ramayan.

According to many Hindu puranas and sacred texts, “regular offering of prayers to Lord Hanuman offers immense strength to the mind, body and soul of a devotee. This in turn helps the devotee to courageously wage all the physiological and psychological battles of life”..

It is also further quoted in these texts that, “the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient Lord Hanuman always stays at the entrance of each one of His devotee’s house and forever protects that family from all the evil and the destructive forces of Nature”.

After I complete my daily pooja, I just close my eyes and quietly chant the sacred “Hanuman Chalisa”.. My Mom asked me to do so and am doing it everyday and ever since.. BLESSED

Now, let me come to the main point and tell you all about an amazingly

Miraculous And The Most Powerful Lord Hanuman Temple And The Interesting Story Behind That

Some time during the period between 1140 and 1150 A D, a Kakatiya King by name, Pratapa Rudra II, went on a hunting spree for one full day in some dense forests that were quite far away from his kingdom. Later, a fully tired King decided to relax in the forests that night.

At the stroke of midnight, the King suddenly woke up from his sleep, as he heard someone chanting the holy names of Hindu Lord Sriram. Greatly amused by that chanting, the King got up from his place and went around to see from where and whom that chanting was emanating.

After a few yards, he found an amazing idol of Lord Hanuman sitting in a dhyana mudra. There was a tremendous glow in that idol. However, what surprised the King the most at that moment was that the chanting of the names of “Sriram” was actually emanating from that idol.. “How can an idol chant..? The King asked himself.

After a few more minutes, the King realized that Lord Hanuman Himself was sitting there in the form of an idol and was offering His prayers to His Master, Lord Sriram. After realized that, a fully shocked King Prataparudra prostrated before the holy deity of Lord Hanuman and offered Him his umble pranams

Later, after sitting in front of the idol for about an hour, the King quietly went back to the place where he had slept earlier and dropped back into deep sleep. While the King deep in his sleep, Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a Temple for Him.

Amazed by the dream more so by the instructions of Lord Hanuman, the King immediately returned to his kingdom and called for an emergency meeting of all his advisers and court scholars and told them about the dream experience the forests wherein he was instructed by Lord Hanuman to build a Temple for Him.

Surprised with what their King had told them, the courtiers said, “Hey Rajendra, this is certainly an auspicious sign in approval of your kingship. We should immediately commence the construction of the Temple, as instructed by Hanuman.”

Later, on one fine day and on an auspicious occasion, the King commenced the construction of the Temple at the same place where he had seen the idol of Hanuman chanting “Sriram”. In course of time, this Temple became immensely popular in it’s neighboring villages and people started frequenting it in large numbers.

Almost five hundred years,

After this Hanuman temple was built, Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb, more popularly known as Aurnagazeb became the King of the vast Mughal Empire in India. This greedy and over ambitious Aurangazeb, who also has the title of “Alamgir”, which literally means the “world conqueror”, had only two things on his agenda..

One, to conquer the whole of Indian sub continent and if possible the whole world; and two, to demolish all the Hindu Temples wherever they are in India; eradicate Hinduism from this planet; and spread the religion of Islam all over the sub-continent.

According to historian Katherine Brown, “The very name of Aurangzeb seems to act in the popular imagination as a signifier of politico-religious bigotry and repression, regardless of historical accuracy.”

The executions of the antinomian Sufi mystic, Sarmad Kashani and the ninth Sikh Guru, Tej Bahadur bear testimony to Aurangzeb’s religious intolerance. While the Sufi saint was beheaded on multiple accounts of heresy, the holy Sikh Guru was hanged to death because of his objections to Aurangzeb’s forced conversions.

According to many great historians, “Aurnagazeb in all had demolished about fifteen major Hindu Temples in India, including the famous Kashi Viswanath Temple, the Somnath Temple, and the Keshav Deo Temple”. Although there’s no accurate data available to prove their claims but according to some noted historians, “the Mughals during their reign in India have demolished about sixty thousand Hindu Temples in the Indian sub continent alone”.

As part his wicked agenda and after annexing the entire Northern India and ransacking many rich Hindu Temples there, the iconoclastic Aurangazeb turned towards the Deccan plateau and lay his concentration entirely on the much richer Golkonda kingdom, which was at that time under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Hyderabad.

It was an easy task for Aurangazeb to conquer the Golkonda fort of Hyderabad which he conquered in 1687 without any stiff resistance from the meek Qutub Shahi rulers, who in those days were the richest in the world if not not the mightiest.

After completely taking control of the Diamond studded Golkonda fort, Aurnagazeb turned his attention towards the Hindu Temples in and around Hyderabad. During their search his army found the Lord Hanuman Temple built by the Kakatiya King, Pratapa Rudra II.

On one bad morning,

The powerful Mughal army of Aurnagazeb reached the Lord Hanuman Temple. Firstly, the commander of the army ordered all the priests and officials associated with the Temple to immediately come out of the Temple and surrender unconditionally to the mighty army of “Alamgir” or else they would be mercilessly killed by him.

Fearing threat to their lives and silently offering their prayers to their beloved Lord Hanuman, all the devotees, all the priests and all the officials associated with the Temple have quietly come out of the Temple and stood shivering before the ruthless “Alamgir” army commander. Ordering all those victims to move aside, the army Commander then commanded his army to move forward and commence the demolition of the historical Hanuman Temple.

Unable to see the sinful act occurring in front of their eyes, all the Temple priests, officials and Hindu devotes closed their eyes, silently saying “Aparatham, aparatham”. However, the chief Temple priest, who always considered the principal deity, Hanuman, his own son , came forward and requested the army commander,

“Sir, I don’t mind dying in your hands but before that please listen to me for a few seconds. Please”.. Although irritated with the intrusion, the commander still said, “Go ahead Brahman”. The priest continued,

”Sir, Lord Hanuman, the principal deity of this Temple, is always in a dhyana mudra and is offering His prayers to His Lord Sriram. Hanuman is the strongest of all the Gods in this world. He alone had destroyed the entire King Ravan’s army with his Mace. Please do not disturb Him or cause any harm to His Temple. He will not keep quiet. Am requesting you in your own interest. Please listen to me and seek refuge in His mighty glory. He is a very kind God and will certainly forgive you.”

The arrogant Muslim commander could not take it any more. Saying, “Hey Brahman, just shut up and move aside else I will first kill you and then proceed towards the Temple. Let me see how your mighty Hanuman is going to rescue His temple from the demolition of my army that demolished many bigger Temples than this.” Saying so, he turned to army and commanded, “Marchhhhhhhh”..

Unmindful of what is going to happen to all of them in the next few minutes, the idiotic army personnel marched forward towards the sacred Hanuman Temple, with Crowbars and other powerful demolition tools in their hands, to demolish the Temple.

Then it happened..

The first soldier who reached the Temple main wall had raised the crowbar in his hands to knock the Temple down. Much to his shock, he just remained frozen and motionless. Unable to move his crowbar, even an inch forward, he kept looking at the wall with great fear in his eyes. Similar was the condition of all the other soldiers there who came close to the Temple main wall to demolish it.

To say the least, the commander of the mighty “Alamgir” army went into a deep shock looking at the miraculous occurrence before his eyes. He then quickly but involuntarily looked at the face of the chief Temple priest who warned him just a few minutes ago. The Temple priest, without any expression in his face was silently watching the army commander at that moment.

Quickly turning his face away from the priest, the army  commander then commanded his fear struck army to turn back and march towards the court of Aurnagazeb. He them told him in front of all his courtiersin the court,

“Jahanpanaa, as per your highness’s orders we have tried to demolish the Hanuman temple. But to our utter shock we could not move an inch forward. There’s a great divine power in the Temple. According to the Temple priest, Lord Hanuman is the most powerful of all the Hindu Gods. If your highness allow me to offer you my piece of advice, I would say we must never even turn towards that Temple again”.

Immensely angered with the report and the unsolicited advice of his army commander, Aurangazeb, almost screaming, said, “Shut up you idiot, what nonsense are you talking..?? Had it been someone else in your place, I would have cut him into pieces with my sword. But am merciful towards you because you have been so loyal to me for several years.

Now listen to me. I shall now command the army on my own. Let us march towards the Hanuman Temple, again tomorrow. I shall personally demolish the Temple with a Crowbar. I will also see how the so called powerful Hindu God Hanuman is going to protect His Temple from my strong hands. It’s my challenge to Him.”.

The Next Morning

Aurangazeb marched along with his army again towards the sacred Hanuman Temple. Although the soldiers were afraid to go to that Temple they were however could not disobey the orders of their cruel king who shall hang them to the main door post of the Golkonda fort if they do that.

Silently offering their prayers to Lord Hanuman, “to forgive us” for being part of that sinful act, the soldiers quietly marched towards the Hanuman Temple.. Aurangazeb ordered everyone in the Temple to come out of it within the next thirty seconds.

Saying, “Vinaasa kaale vipareetha buddih” silently to themselves all those inside the Temple have walked out. Looking at them, Aurangazeb arrogantly said,”even if one among you try to open your mouth, am going to cut your tongue into pieces. Just keep quiet and watch everything silently”.

Later, as everyone around him was fearfully watching him, Aurangazeb picked up a large Crowbar with his right hand and started walking recklessly towards the Hanuman Temple. Even the wind there stopped breezing watching that sinful act and started looking fearfully at the idiotic Aurnagazeb who was, in all stupidity, trying to conquer the all powerful Lord of Wind.

Unmindful of everything that was happening around him, Aurangazeb slowly reached the main wall of the Hanuman Temple and raised the Crowbar to deliver the first blow on the sacred wall.

He just raised the crowbar. That’s all he could. He didn’t know what happened after that. All that he heard, at that moment, was a huge roar and a deafening sound from inside the Temple. It was so frightening that even the brave Aurangazed could not withstand that sound and stood frozen there, closing both his ears.

“Sree Anjaneyam.. Prasannananjaneyam.. Prabhaa divya kaayam.. Prakeerthi pradaayam.. Bhaje vaayuputhram.. Bhaje vaala gaathram.. Bhajeham pavithram.. Bhaje surya mithram.. Bhaje rudra roopam .. Bhaje brahma tejam..”

Recognizing that huge roaring sound as the divine voice of their beloved holy Lord Hanuman, all the Temple priests, all the devotees and all those Hindus standing there in front of the Temple have quickly bowed down on their knees and started reciting the all powerful Telugu Anjaneya dandakam.

Aurangazeb was aghast.

Aurangazeb was speechless.

Aurangazeb was frozen.

Aurangazeb was going mad with that life threatening roaring sound all around him.

Then taking him into a further state of shock, a powerful voice – the most powerful ever heard on earth – followed that sound, saying..

“Agar mandir thodna hain Rajan, tho kar man ghat” (Hindi) which means, “Hey King, if you want to break the Temple, make your heart stronger”.

The deeply shocked Aurangazeb fainted with an unimaginable degree of fear.hearing to that voice of Pavana Suta Hanuman. Quickly reacting, his soldiers rushed to him and took him away from that sacred place and moved him to his fort.

Temple located in the suburbs of Hyderabad city, in the Telangana state of India, became popular among the devotees, as the “Karman Ghat” Hanuman Temple based on the words uttered by the divine voice of Lord Hanuman on that eventful day.

Today, there are many miracles attributed to this Temple and according to the priests of the Temple, “Lord Hanuman is residing in this Temple in His real form, as Dhyananjaneya Swamy, and is fulfilling the wishes of all His ardent devotees. If childless Mothers come here and worship this Swamy for forty days they will be blessed with hale and healthy babies. And if those suffering from chronic illnesses do the same they will be completely relieved from all their diseases.”.

 I.

Positive picture.

 Chaitra Full Moon, also known as Chitra Purnima, occurs when the Sun is in an exalted position in the sign Aries, and the Moon is aligned with the bright star Chaitra in the constellation of Libra. Full Moon is an auspicious time for creation and manifestation. It is the time when the mind begins to balance its thought forms. The exalted Sun in Aries energizes the soul, and it also empowers us to make wise “karmic” choices which decide the destiny of our existing life and also the life beyond.

Chaitra Purnima is the sacred to Chitragupta, the Keeper of Deeds. According to ancestral belief, Chitragupta keeps an account of our positive karma against the negative and declares the result to the Lord Yama. Lord Brahma created Chitragupta through the Sun God. He is the younger brother of Lord Yama. Full Moon days are auspicious to attain Chitragupta’s blessings. It washes away all the sins and helps to bag the virtue for the life beyond.

Chitragupta, the scribe of Yamaraj is known for keeping the record of the number of births or deaths in a year. He also keeps a record of good karma and bad karmas. After our death, we are rewarded or punished depending on Chitragupta’s records.

Chaitra Purnima is quite important for Hindus because it is a time to rectify our words as well as actions and eliminate negative deeds. Devotees also pray to God for forgiveness for their sins, so that they can lead a life of righteousness. The day of Chaitra Purnima also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti. Hence, it is very auspicious.

According to Vedic tradition, Brihaspati is the mentor or preceptor of Lord Indra, the King of the Gods. Once, Indra disobeyed his mentor. Hence, to teach him a lesson, Brihaspati temporarily gave his advisor role to Indra. During Brihaspati’s absence, Indra performed many wrong deeds. When Brihaspati resumed his duty, Indra wanted to know what he should do to get rid of the wrong karma. Brihaspati asked Indra to go on a pilgrimage.

While Indra was on the pilgrimage, he suddenly felt that many of his sins had been taken off his shoulders at a place near Madurai in South India. Later, Lord Indra discovered a Shiva Linga at that spot. Lord Indra attributed the miracle to this Shiva linga, and he constructed a temple on that site. When Indra was worshiping Shiv Linga, Lord Shiva magically created Golden Lotuses in a nearby pond. Lord Indra was pleased and blessed. The day on which Indra worshiped Shiva was Chitra Purnima.

On this day, special pujas are conducted at temples. Devotees take a bath in holy rivers and temple ponds to wash away the sins and to bag the virtue for life beyond. Chitra Purnima is the time to get rid of your sins. Many people would keep fast on Chaitra Purnima. By offering food to the poor and needy people on this day, one can receive the blessing from the Almighty.

Chitragupta Temple at Kanchipuram is the only temple in South India dedicated to Lord Chitragupta. He reminds us of an invisible higher power that constantly watches over us and provokes us to mind our conduct and behaviour. It is believed that those who do not attain a balance between their good karmas and bad karmas have to attain a re-birth in any living form, to complete the life cycle.